In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth and regulations enacted by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the composition, duties and powers of the Salem State University Board of Trustees are articulated within the university's bylaws. The board is charged with the fiduciary management of the institution, including determination of fees, establishment of personnel management policy, staff services, and the general business of the institution. Among its responsibilities, the board elects the president with the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, adopts an annual plan of financial operation, awards degrees in approved fields, and develops the mission statement for the university consistent with the mission of the Commonwealth's system of public higher education.
The board of trustees consists of 11 voting members. Ten members are appointed by the governor, at least two are alumni of the university and one of whom is elected thereto by the university alumni association. Elected alumni members shall be elected every five years. Members are appointed to serve for five year terms, but no member shall be appointed for more than two consecutive terms. Student members are elected by the student body and serve one year.
Regular meetings of the full board are held four times annually and are open to the public with the exception of executive sessions. Committees of the board convene prior to each open meeting and on an as-needed basis. The board currently has five standing committees: executive, academic affairs and student life, risk management and audit, finance and facilities, advancement, marketing and communications. Meetings usually take place on the Salem State University campus.
Public Records Requests
Visit the public records requests page for contact information and submission guidelines for public records requests.
General Overview and Overseer Listing
- Mikenna Avery, Student Trustee
- A. Thomas Billings ’72, ’75G, EdD
- Elizabeth Cabral ’17
- Kevin Inman
- Dino DiPalma
- Stephen Immerman, EdD
- Thatcher Kezer ’88
- James Lampassi ’81, Vice Chair
- Claude Lancome
- Samanda Morales ’98, Chair
SSU Trustee Community Open Forum Topics: If you'd like to suggest a question or topic for an upcoming full Board of Trustees meeting, please do so here.
Board Meeting Calendar
Academic Year 2026 (all meetings are remote unless otherwise noted below)
Trustee Committee Meetings—begin at 3 pm unless otherwise noted
Wed, Sept. 30, 2026 – hybrid/in-person: Petrowski conference room (Marsh 210)
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 RMA at 3 pm– Audit Committee
Wed, Jan 20, 2027
Wed, March 24, 2027 - hybrid/in-person: Petrowski conference room (Marsh 210)
Wed, May 12, 2027
Regular Board Meetings—begin at 5 pm unless otherwise noted
Wed, Oct 28, 2026
Wed, Feb 3, 2027
Wed, Apr 7, 2027
Wed, Jun 2, 2027 – hybrid/in-person – Petrowski conference room (Marsh 210)
Special Meetings
Off-site meeting – Dec date TBD – hybrid/in-person
Posting of Meeting Agendas and Meeting Format
Except in cases of emergency, final agendas with anticipated discussion topics are posted 48-hours in advance of the meeting.
Remote meetings – Please note that Governor Healey has extended provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2027. Login information will be provided within the posted agendas.
By-laws of the Board of Trustees
All BOT minutes are now on the records site, along with university policies and reports.
Public record requests should be sent to Rita Colucci, general counsel, at publicrecords@salemstate.edu. Rita Colucci is also the designated records access officer (RAO) for Salem State University.